1 Week ‘Til Christmas Eve Checklist

Only 7 days until Christmas, and while we all can’t wait for the day, there is still a lot to get done. This is especially true if you’re hosting family at your home this year. From cleaning the house and setting up decorations to preparing holiday meals, getting everything ready can feel overwhelming. The steps below can help you plan the tasks many hosts want to complete before Christmas.

One Week Before

• Clean and organize your house: Start with the areas guests will see and use most, such as entryways, living spaces, bathrooms, guest rooms, and dining areas. Clear out your refrigerator and toss old leftovers to make room for holiday dishes and ingredients.

• Call Chem-Dry by Rhein at (239) 353-4246 to ask about professional furniture, rug, and carpet cleaning: If your furniture, rugs, or carpets could use attention before guests arrive, contact Chem-Dry by Rhein to ask about available appointments. Professional cleaning can help refresh the look and feel of your home before the holiday. Ask about current cleaning specials when scheduling your service.

Other:

• Make sure decorations are placed where you want them.
• Polish any china or serving pieces you plan to use for the meal.
• Finish any last-minute shopping before stores become more crowded.
• Pick out holiday outfits. To save money, consider checking local thrift stores for seasonal clothing.
• Double-check attendance with anyone who has not RSVP’d yet.

Three Days Before

• Shop for fresh ingredients.
• Pick up last-minute vegetables, fruit, or other items needed for meals.
• Set the table.
• If you use special glassware, dishes, or serving platters only once a year, enjoy putting them out early. Add a sticky note to each platter with the dish you plan to serve on it so others can help more easily.

Two Days Before

• Start cooking.
• Prepare main courses, sides, desserts, or other items that can be made ahead of time.
• Buy fresh flowers or live plant decorations. Artificial plant decorations can also save time and help simplify your holiday setup.
• Finish any last-minute wrapping so gifts are ready before the busiest part of the holiday.

The Day Before

• Recharge batteries for your camera or video recorder.
• Assemble any toys or gifts that need to be ready for Christmas morning.
• Finish cooking and make a timeline for the next day.
• Decide when you plan to serve the meal, then count backward to schedule oven time and other cooking tasks.

Don’t forget to sit back and relax.
It’s all worth it when your home is ready for the Christmas celebration. Enjoy your family and friends, and take time to appreciate the traditions you share. Merry Christmas!